A Guide to Conservation Programs for Iowa Landowners

Your quick reference to financial and technical assistance for conservation on private lands.

Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP)

Purpose: Provide incentives to landowners to establish wetlands for water quality improvement in the tile-drained regions of Iowa.
Practices: Wetland restoration and adjacent buffer establishment.
Eligibility: Enrollment is on a continuous basis. Eligible land must be in one of thirty-seven counties in North-Central Iowa, and must meet the basic eligibility requirements for USDA’s Conservation Reserve Program. Eligible lands must be in landscape positions to intercept significant tile flow while not obstructing normal drainage.
Contract: Landowners will enter a 15-year contract with USDA as under the Continuous CRP. State funds will be used for additional one-time, up-front incentive payments to encourage participating landowners to enter into a required additional 15-year agreement or permanent easement. USDA and State funds will provide for 100% cost-share.
Contact: SWCDs, DSC, FSA, NRCS

Conservation Reserve Program (CRP)

Purpose: To reduce erosion, increase wildlife habitat, and improve water quality through the application of conservation plans (landowner sets aside cropland with annual rental payments).
Practices: Tree planting, grass cover, small wetland restoration, prairie restoration, and others.
Eligibility: Varies by soil type and crop history. For general signups, land is accepted into the program if the offer qualifies. Continuous signup is open for buffers, waterways, and environmental practices at all times. The living snow fence practice is now paying for 100-foot wide snow catch area with a match for areas near state highways, non-floodplain wetlands restoration initiative, and northern bobwhite quail habitat initiative.
Contract: 10-15 years depending on the type of practice. Transferable with change in ownership.
Contact: FSA, SWCDs

Conservation Security Program (CSP)

Purpose: To reward farmers and landowners for past conservation work and provide technical and financial assistance to help develop conservation plans that address specific natural resource concerns and complete more conservation work.
Practices: Existing and new stewardship practices and enhancement activities.
Eligibility: Most agricultural land in Iowa will be eligible, except for land in WRP, CRP and GRP. Signup is open on a watershed-by-watershed basis.
Contract: 5-10 year contracts in three different tiers of participation. The maximum annual payment ranges from $20,000 to $45,000 per year.
Contact: NRCS, SWCDs

Conservation Technical Assistance (CTA)

Purpose: To assist land users to plan and install resource management systems that will improve and protect natural resources on their land.
Systems: Includes many different practices to reduce soil erosion; improve soil, water, and air quality; improve and restore wetlands; enhance fish and wildlife habitat; improve pasture and rangeland; reduce upstream flooding; and improve woodlands.
Eligibility: All land users may receive technical assistance from the NRCS. Land users are encouraged to work through their local Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) to become district cooperators.
Contract: Contracts vary by programs and practices.
Contact: NRCS, SWCDs

Debt Cancellation Conservation Contract (Debt for Nature)

Purpose: To provide opportunity to cancel a portion of indebtedness in exchange for a conservation contract.
Eligibility: Landowner must owe the FSA and have marginal croplands or other environmentally sensitive lands for conservation, recreation, and wildlife purposes.
Contract: 10, 30 or 50 years.
Contacts: FSA, FWS

EPA Section 319 Program

Purpose: To provide funding for watershed-based water quality projects that demonstrate and implement conservation practices to protect priority water bodies from agricultural and other nonpoint pollution sources.
Practices: Funds can be used for a variety of traditional and innovative conservation practices that provide water quality benefits.
Eligibility: Individual landowners and legal entities such as non-profit organizations and communities participating in U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Section 319 water quality projects.
Contract: Funding for conservation practices is typically administered through contracts with local SWCDs.
Contacts: Iowa DNR, SWCD, EPA

Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)

Purpose: To provide technical and financial assistance to landowners to develop and implement conservation plans that address specific natural resource concerns.
Practices: Livestock manure management, grazing land management, soil erosion control, and water quality improvement practices are eligible for financial assistance statewide.
Eligibility: Agricultural producers on agricultural land are eligible. Projects are selected based on environmental benefits.
Contract: Up to 10 year contracts. Agricultural producers may be eligible for payments up to $450,000 for all contracts for the length of the 2002 Farm Bill.
Contact: NRCS, SWCDs, FSA

Farm Pond Program

Purpose: To provide quality fishing opportunities for licensed anglers.
Eligibility: DNR will provide fish free of charge if ponds meet the following criteria: new or renovated and free of fish; surface area of at least 1/2 acre; maximum depth of at least 8 feet; fenced to exclude livestock with a 60 foot minimum buffer between pond edge and fence.
Contract: Landowner signs agreement to follow recommendations regarding management of the pond and adjacent wildlife area.
Contacts: DNR

Financial and Reports Management System (FARMS)

Purpose: to provide internet access to obtain the most up-to-date IDALS/DSC program information, to locate local soil and water conservation district contact information for technical assistance, to apply online for cost-share assistance, and to review your private account information at your convenience.
Details: FARMS allows you to apply online for cost-share assistance, follow your practice application from sign-up to payment, review maintenance/performance agreements relevant to your soil and water conservation practices, and manage your individual account at your convenience.
Contacts: https://idals.iowa.gov/FARMS/ or SWCDs

FWS Programs

The FWS offers two types of programs to Iowa landowners, including land acquisition and technical assistance. For more specifics contact the Iowa Private Lands Coordinator, P.O. Box 399, Prairie City, IA 50228, phone, 515.994.3400.

Forest Land Enhancement Program (FLEP)

Purpose: Assist landowners to develop and implement a forest management plan.
Practices: Forest stand improvement, tree planting, site preparations for natural regeneration, agro forage, watershed protection, wildlife habitat improvement, invasive species control, savanna restoration and forest stewardship planning.
Eligibility: Landowners with two or more acres.
Contract: Agree to maintain practices for estimated life span. A management plan is required. Up to 75 percent.
Contact: DNR

General Non-Point Source Program (Low-Interest Loans)

Eligible Projects (not limited to): restoration of wildlife habitat, stream bank stabilization, urban stormwater management, remediation of storage tanks, water conservation and reuse, and wetland flood prevention areas.
More Details through the Iowa DNR

Iowa District Initiative

Purpose: To provide funding to accelerate the implementation of federal conservation programs to protect water quality and fragile land.
Practices: All of the practices available through EQIP, WHIP, WRP, and continuous CRP, including buffer strips, waterways, riparian buffers, contour buffer strips, shallow water areas for wildlife, wellhead protection, etc.
Eligibility: Landowners with land that qualifies for federal conservation programs.
Contract: 10-15 years, the length of the CRP contract.
Contact: DSC, SWCDs, NRCS

Iowa Water Protection Fund (REAP)

Purpose: To provide funding for water quality improvement practices in watersheds above priority lakes and streams, and to protect ground water.
Practices: Land treatment and nutrient management practices, such as terraces, waterways, grade stabilization, stream bank stabilization, manure management, integrated crop management, etc.
Eligibility: SWCDs, landowners, and operators in approved Water Quality Projects.
Contract: Permanent practices require 20-year maintenance agreements. Management practices require performance agreements.
Contacts: DSC, SWCDs, NRCS

Livestock Water Quality Facilities Program (Low-Interest Loans)

Eligible Projects (not limited to): lagoons, manure management structures and equipment, processing equipment, vegetative filters, and the development of manure management plans.
More Details through the Iowa DNR

Local Water Protection Loan Program (Low Interest Loans)

Purpose: Provide loans for permanent soil conservation practices that are designed to improve water quality and to prevent surface water runoff from open feedlots. Loans can fund 100% of the practice costs or they can be used in conjunction with state and federal programs. Loans range from $5,000-$50,000, with terms up to 10 years.
Eligibility: Under federal guidelines, loan funds cannot be used for projects in concentrated animal feed operations (CAFOs).
Contacts: SWCDs, DSC, NRCS, Private Lenders

No Interest Loan Program

Purpose: To provide no interest loans to eligible landowners for the constructions permanent soil conservation practices contained in a conservation plan.
Practices: SWCDs set priorities for practices to fund. Examples include terraces, waterways, and structures.
Eligibility: Landowners must be able to secure the loan, be capable of repaying the loan, and be a cooperator with the SWCD.
Contacts: SWCDs, DSC, NRCS

On-site Wastewater Assistance Fund

Purpose: To provide low interest loans to repair or replace on-site septic systems.
Eligibility: Landowners must be able to secure the loan, be capable of repaying the loan and be approved by the county.
Contracts: Landowners may borrow from $2,000 to $10,000 for up to 10 years.
Contacts: County, DNR

Shelterbelt Program

Purpose: To provide funding for tree and shrub planting for energy conservation and wildlife habitat.
Practices: Funding to establish new or expand existing tree and shrub shelterbelts around farmsteads or feedlots for energy conservation benefits.
Eligibility: Statewide. Plantings must be around occupied farmsteads and feedlots.
Contract: Iowa DNR provides up to 75% of total cost, not to exceed $200 per row, for 8- to 14-row shelterbelts. Trees and shrubs must be planted around farmsteads or feedlots for energy conservation benefits.
Contacts: DNR

State Cost-Share

Purpose: To provide cost-share or incentives on permanent and management conservation practices to control erosion and reduce sediment.
Practices: SWCDs set priorities for practices to fund. Examples include terraces, waterways, and structures.
Eligibility: Any landowner who is a district cooperator and enters into a voluntary agreement with the district to install and maintain an approved conservation practice.
Contracts: Up to 50% cost-share and up to a 20-year maintenance agreement.
Contacts: DSC, SWCDs, NRCS

Note: DSC funds are administered through local SWCDs.

State Loan Program

Purpose: To provide no interest loans to eligible landowners for the construction of permanent soil conservation practices contained in a conservation plan.
Practices: SWCDs set priorities for practices to fund. Examples include terraces, waterways, and structures.
Eligibility: Landowners must be able to secure the loan, be capable of repaying the loan, and be a cooperator with the SWCD.
Contracts for conservation practices: Cooperators may borrow up to $10,000 for a 10-year period and sign a 20-year maintenance agreement.
Contracts for livestock program: Minimum loan of $10,000; Lifespan not to exceed 20 years and plans must be approved by the DNR.
Contacts: SWCDs, DSC, NRCS

Note: DSC funds are administered through local SWCDs.

State Watershed Protection Practices

Purpose: Resource Enhancement and Protection (REAP) funds and Iowa Watershed Protection Program (WSPF) provide cost-share or incentives to address local water quality protection needs.
Practices: Each SWCD sets priorities for practices. Examples include tree plantings, windbreaks, land use conversion practices, and traditional erosion control practices.
Eligibility: Landowners who are SWCD cooperators and enter into voluntary agreements with the district to install and maintain approved conservation practices contained in a conservation plan.
Contracts: Up to 75% cost-share and up to a 20-year maintenance agreement.
Contacts: DSC, SWCDs, NRCS

Note: DSC funds are administered through local SWCDs.

Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP)

Purpose: To develop and implement a conservation plan for restoration of wetlands previously altered for agricultural use.
Practices: Wetland restoration and wildlife habitat establishment.
Eligibility: Land that has been owned for one year and that could be restored to wetland conditions.
Contract: Landowners may restore wetlands with permanent easements, 30-year easements or 10-year contracts. Permanent easements pay 100% of the agricultural value of the land and 100% cost-share for restoration; 30-year easements pay 75% of the agricultural value and 75% cost-share for restoration; 10-year contracts pay 75% cost-share of restoration only. Permanent or 30-year easements are recorded with property deeds. Ten-year contracts are not recorded with deeds.
Contact: NRCS, SWCDs

Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP)

Purpose: To develop or improve fish and wildlife habitat on privately owned land through the application of a conservation plan.
Practices: Seeding, tree and shrub plantings, fencing, instream structures, and prairie restoration.
Eligibility: Almost any type of land is eligible, including agricultural and non-agricultural land, woodlots, pastures, and streambanks.
Contract: Usually 5-10 years to install and maintain the habitat. Financial assistance may be available for restoration costs, to a maximum of $25,000. Other organizations may provide additional financial assistance.
Contact: NRCS, SWCDs

Where to Go for Assistance

The NRCS, DSC, and local SWCD staff are located at the local USDA Service Center in every county in Iowa. They provide free technical assistance on a voluntary basis to landowners to help them conserve and protect the soil, water, wildlife, and other natural resources on their land.

The Iowa DNR Forestry Bureau has 13 district forestry offices that provide free technical assistance to landowners in establishing new tree and riparian buffer strip plantings, and in woodland management planning and timber stand improvements. Landowners may purchase select seedlings at cost from the State Forest Nursery at 1-800-865-2477. Iowa DNR biologists also provide conservation assistance to landowners throughout the state.

Numerous other organizations and agencies provide conservation assistance or programs, including local Pheasants Forever Chapters, Ducks Unlimited, the Nature Conservancy, the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation, Iowa State University Extension, and Resource Conservation and Development offices. Contact your local NRCS office for ideas and local contact information.

Abbreviations of Conservation Agencies

NRCS—USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
www.ia.nrcs.usda.gov

SWCDs— Soil and Water Conservation Districts
(See DSC website)

DSC—Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, Division of Soil Conservation
www.agriculture.state.ia.us/soilconservation.html

FSA—USDA Farm Service Agency
www.fsa.usda.gov/ia

Iowa DNR—Iowa Department of Natural Resources
www.iowadnr.com

FWS—U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
www.fws.gov